Number of Thais being held hostage by Hamas rises from 19 to 22

Thailand's foreign ministry has raised its count of nationals taken hostage in Israel by Hamas from 19 to 22. That's one of the highest number of foreign victims being held since conflict broke out in Gaza on Oct 7. At least 32 Thais have been killed in Israel. Close to 6,000 have been repatriated, with another 800 returning today. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has renewed calls for Thai migrant workers who are still in Israel to come home "as long as they still can", as the escalating situation could make it more difficult to send repatriation flights.

Ruling Pheu Thai party elects Thaksin's youngest daughter Paetongtarn as new leader

Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party has a new leader. Paetongtarn Shinawatra is following in the footsteps of her father, former prime minister and party founder Thaksin. She is a familiar face to the party, having been heavily involved as one of Pheu Thai's prime minister candidates in the election campaign earlier this year. Party members have denied that nepotism played a role in her appointment, but the shadow of her father looms large.

First flight with evacuated Thais from Israel lands in Bangkok

The first batch of Thai nationals evacuated from Israel has arrived in Bangkok. The 15 were on one of the few flights that made it out of Tel Aviv, as countries scramble to evacuate their nationals caught in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. More than five thousand Thais have requested to leave Israel. At least 21 Thais are feared death, with 14 being kidnapped.

Thailand seeks to restore tourist confidence after deadly shopping mall shooting

Thai authorities are scrambling to restore confidence in the country's reputation as a tourist destination, after the shock of yesterday's deadly shopping mall shooting. A 14-year-old suspect has been charged on five counts, including murder and illegal firearm possession. Two people -- one from China and the other from Myanmar -- were killed during his alleged rampage in central Bangkok's Siam Paragon mall. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has attended an event at the mall with several cabinet ministers. In his opening remarks, he also observed a minute of silence for the victims.

Bangkok Siam Paragon mall shooting: At least three killed, 14-year-old suspect arrested

Earlier report

At least three people have been killed in a shooting spree at a shopping mall in Bangkok. Thai police said a 14-year-old suspected gunman has been arrested. The incident occurred at Siam Paragon, one of the city's biggest malls located in the heart of the Thai capital. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed concern over the incident. He expressed condolences to families of those who died, and said the police are closely monitoring the situation.